Are the Kansas City Chiefs too dependent on Patrick Mahomes?
The Defense Looks A Little Too Familiar
The real hope for improvement in Kansas City this season was that a revamped defense would give Mahomes and the offense enough support to propel them to Super Bowl glory. Before I get into the numbers through two games, I should point out that I believe most Chiefs fans understand that it will take time for a new defense to take form. I don’t believe the defense we’ll see in December will look like the one we’ve seen through two games. At least I hope not.
Thus far, the defense has looked a little too much like last year’s unit. Fortunately, the single most important stat for a defense (points allowed) is better after two games. Last season the Chiefs allowed 26.3 points per game which ranked 24th in the NFL. Through two games the Chiefs stand at 18.0 points per game allowed which is over a touchdown less per game. That’s great.
However, the Chiefs had two huge problems on defense last season. They allowed way too many easy completions and struggled to stop the run at the line of scrimmage. While the points allowed are down so far and the quality of tackling seems much improved, I don’t know that we can say that those two big problems have looked significantly better this season.
Last year the Chiefs allowed 273.4 passing yards per game which ranked 31st in the NFL and allowed 64.2% completions. So far through two games the Chiefs are allowing 262.5 passing yards per game and are allowing 70.4% completions. So while the passing yards allowed are slightly better (enough to bump them from 31st to 29th last season), the completion percentage allowed is actually significantly worse than last season.
As far as the run game goes the Chiefs have allowed 105.0 yards rushing per game through two games. That’s actually down significantly from the 132.1 they allowed last season, but it has more to do with their opponents running the ball less than with their ability to stop the run. Their yards per carry allowed so far is actually a full yard per carry worse than last season. They are allowing 6.0 yards per carry so far compared to 5.0 last season (which already ranked 31st in the NFL).
The sack numbers are way down so far as well. Last season the Chiefs were tied for the NFL lead in sacks with 52. Through two games they are on pace for 32 sacks. That would have ranked just 29th in the NFL last season.
Again, how much does this matter? The Chiefs are 2-0. They have won both games handily. They have the best player on the planet. Should we worry? Should we worry that this defense could allow someone like Tom Brady to beat them again in the postseason? My take is that its too early to judge with the defense. I believe the new collection of players and new scheme will come together more as the season goes by, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was hoping to see a little more of an improvement out of the gate.
Next. The (Good) Lessons Learned from Week 2. dark
What do you think Chiefs fans? Are you elated that the Chiefs are 2-0? Are you at all concerned that the Chiefs are a little too one dimensional through the first two games? Do you think their lack of a rushing attack and suspect defense could be a problem as the season wears on or do you think they will sort themselves out with more time? I’m curious to read your thoughts in the comments below.